Tulip and Storm Litter
By Day 45 of a dog's gestation, the puppies are structurally complete, with their major organs, skeletons, and reproductive organs fully formed. At this exciting stage, the fetuses are actively mineralizing their bones and beginning to grow their first coats of fur.
The puppies' skeletons are hardening and becoming more defined, meaning their skulls, spines, and pelvises are now clearly visible. Fine fur is beginning to cover their bodies, and they are rapidly gaining both size and weight. While most major organs are fully developed, essential systems such as the lungs continue maturing in preparation for life outside the womb.
The fetuses are now starting to look much more like puppies. Tiny toes, nails, and whiskers have formed, and their skin pigmentation is developing. Eyelids formed around Day 32, toes became visible by Day 35, and nails appeared around Day 40. Over the past few days, the coat and skeleton have continued to develop and strengthen.
At this stage, it is very easy to tell that Tulip is pregnant. Not only because of her growing belly, but also because of her ferocious appetite! We have begun gradually increasing her food intake to support the rapid growth of the puppies. Her diet includes a variety of high-quality proteins, fermented goat's milk, fresh farm eggs, vegetables, and a prenatal vitamin supplement containing folic acid—just as many women take during pregnancy for the same important developmental reasons.
Tulip has also started seeking out potential denning sites for her puppies, particularly in the backyard. Needless to say, her front paws are getting washed daily! This digging and nesting behavior is completely normal and will likely become more frequent and purposeful as we approach her due date.
Every day brings new changes, and we are getting closer to meeting these little ones. The next three weeks will be filled with rapid puppy growth and preparation for whelping.
Stay tuned...
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